MSC unveils World Asia onboard experiences

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC World Asia will be officially named on Nov. 28, 2026 in Le Havre, France, ahead of the ship’s inaugural Mediterranean season.

The ship will begin seven-night Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona on Dec. 4, 2026, visiting Marseille, Messina, Civitavecchia for Rome, Naples and Valletta. 

Embarkation will be available at every port.

MSC World Asia is the third ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class fleet. 

The ship will include design elements inspired by Asia’s culture, art and landscapes, along with new entertainment, dining and family experiences.

The naming ceremony in Le Havre will bring together travel industry figures, international media, partners and invited guests. 

The event will include the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow.

“Our World Class ships have been a great success with guests, and MSC World Asia, the third of eight in this class, marks the next step in this journey. As we look ahead to her inaugural Mediterranean season, we are proud to continue delivering ships that reflect our vision, innovation, beautiful design, and focus on the guest experience, with each one raising the bar even further," said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.

"I’m also proud to announce that Captain Paolo Benini will take the helm of MSC World Asia, in recognition of his outstanding leadership on MSC Euribia, including during its recent deployment in Dubai. Having joined MSC Cruises in 2024 with a distinguished maritime career, he is widely respected for his calm, people-focused command and is the ideal choice to lead this remarkable new flagship."

To mark six months until the ship’s first sailing, MSC Cruises has also shared six onboard experiences that will be available on MSC World Asia.

The Cliffhanger over-water swing ride will debut in Europe aboard MSC World Asia. 

The attraction rises 50 metres above the sea and moves riders back and forth above the ocean.

The Spiral @ Tree of Life will be the longest dry slide at sea, measuring 81.3 metres and spanning 11 decks. 

The feature is inspired by the trees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay.

The ship will also include the Twin Racer waterslides and U Drop slide in the Family Aventura district, along with the Adventure Trail high ropes course. 

The two-level ropes course spans 6,210 square feet and includes Sky Rails similar to a zip line.

In the Hall of Games, the MSC Formula Racer will offer a two-seat Formula 1 simulator experience, reflecting MSC Cruises’ global partnership with Formula 1.

MSC Luna Park Arena will feature immersive digital technology, including an interactive floor for gaming experiences. 

The venue will also host original game shows, including Code Breakers, Labyrinth and Chart Toppers, as well as themed parties and entertainment across two decks.

MSC World Asia will also feature more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants, seven pools, 13 hot tubs, family entertainment, artwork inspired by Asian landscapes and traditions and the line’s largest variety of MSC Yacht Club suite categories to date.

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